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Delaware Bay Fishing Guide

Delaware

A broad estuary known for spring striped bass and summer flounder.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Delaware Bay for striped bass, flounder and bluefish. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, striped bass, flounder and bluefish are in season, and Walking Topwater, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Bucktail Jig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Bowers Bayside Bait and Kayak Rentals in Frederica, 11 mi away. Cape May is 18 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

In October

Striped Bass, Flounder, Bluefish

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Delaware Bay Species

Striped Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Flounder

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to May, Sep to Nov

Bluefish

Prime Now
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Best: May to Oct

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Topwater · Bluefish, Striped Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Flounder, Striped Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Bucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Flounder, Striped Bass

    Shop This Lure

  • Metal Jig 1/2 to 3 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Bluefish

    Shop This Lure

  • Live Minnows 1 to 3 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Flounder · Mud minnows or finger mullet.

  • Cut Mullet Chunk or strip

    Bait

    Natural Bait · Bluefish

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Striped Bass

Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.

Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.

Flounder

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid, Carolina rig or bucktail.

Bluefish

Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast 7 to 9 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 20 lb braid with a wire leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Delaware Bay

Jigs

Spro Bucktail Jigs

Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Metal Jigs

Deadly Dick Deadly Dick Metal Jig

A small, heavy casting jig for fast-moving albies and mackerel.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Soft Plastics

Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ

A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.

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Topwater

Heddon Zara Spook

The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.

Check Price

Spoons

Acme Kastmaster Spoon

A dense spoon that casts a mile and flutters on the fall.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Delaware Bay

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · New Jersey · 18 mi

Cape May

The southern tip of New Jersey with rips, jetties, and back bays for stripers and fluke.

Striped Bass · Flounder · Bluefish

Saltwater & Coast · Delaware · 31 mi

Indian River Inlet

A busy inlet with jetty fishing for stripers, flounder, and blues.

Striped Bass · Flounder · Bluefish

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland · 56 mi

Susquehanna Flats

Grass flats at the head of the Chesapeake with striped bass and largemouth. Check current Maryland spawning-season closures.

Striped Bass · Largemouth Bass

Saltwater & Coast · Maryland · 72 mi

Chesapeake Bay

Striped bass from the bridges to the flats, plus speckled trout and red drum to the south.

Striped bass · Red drum · Speckled trout

Saltwater & Coast · New Jersey · 78 mi

Barnegat Bay

A shallow bay behind Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park with fluke, blues, and stripers.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · Flounder